
Thank you to the 1646 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 questions! I hope reading 7 Questions with
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Dr Dheeraj Mehrotra
helps you in your leadership.
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Cheers,
Jonno
Dr Dheeraj Mehrotra

Name: Dr Dheeraj Mehrotra
Title: Principal
Organisation: Kunwar's Global School, Lucknow
President of India Award Winning Educator, Author of over 100 plus, UDEMY Premium Instructor with around 450 plus courses, LIMCA Book of Records Holder, School Principal at Kunwar's Global School, Lucknow, India
1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?
For me, in particular, adapting to changes in the external environment, such as market trends, technological advancements, or unforeseen circumstances, is challenging.
2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?
I became a leader by reflecting on my strengths, values, and aspirations, understanding my abilities, areas for improvement, and what kind of leader I aspire to be. It was a journey from being a primary teacher to a trainer and then to a head of a school. I joined as a primary teacher at Bishop Johnson School, at Allahabad, in the year 1990, it was indeed a delightful moment for me to teach and learn at the same time. Years passed by and I joined my own school, the Boys' High School, in the same city where I had passed my class XII just 4 years back. Again with the march of time, I joined another school and came to Lucknow, worked for 14 long years as Head, TQM in Education and finally joined as a Principal at De Indian Public School in Delhi, India. Since then the leadership is in action.
3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?
My day's routine goes as follows: Morning Routine:
I tend to Wake up early to start the day fresh and energized.
Engage in personal activities such as exercise, meditation, or reading to promote well-being and mental clarity. Planning and Preparation:
I Review the schedule for the day, including meetings, events, and administrative tasks.
I Respond to any urgent emails or messages that require immediate attention.
I Prepare necessary documents and materials for meetings or presentations.
School Arrival and Communication:
Arrive at the school early to ensure a smooth start.
Greet staff members, students, and parents, fostering a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
Address any immediate concerns or issues raised by staff members or students.
Administrative Tasks and Meetings:
Attend administrative meetings with staff members, discussing various aspects of school operations, curriculum, and student progress.
Review and approve paperwork, reports, and documents related to budgeting, personnel matters, and school policies.
Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth functioning of the school.
Classroom Visits and Observation:
Conduct classroom visits to observe teaching methods, student engagement, and overall classroom environment.
Provide constructive feedback and support to teachers, fostering their professional growth.
Interact with students, addressing any concerns, and encouraging a positive learning atmosphere.
Student and Parent Interactions:
Meet with students individually or in groups to address their academic or personal needs.
Meet with parents to discuss their child's progress, address concerns, and build strong home-school relationships.
Attend parent-teacher association meetings or other school events to connect with parents and the broader community.
School Development and Strategy:
Devote time to long-term planning, strategic initiatives, and curriculum development.
Collaborate with school board members, district administrators, and other principals to align goals and share best practices.
Stay updated on educational trends, research, and professional development opportunities.
End of Day:
Reflect on the day's achievements, challenges, and goals.
Attend to any pending administrative tasks, including paperwork or correspondence.
Communicate important updates or announcements to staff members and parents.
Prepare for the next day by reviewing the schedule and prioritizing tasks.
Personal Time and Relaxation:
Allocate time for personal activities, hobbies, family, and self-care.
Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones. Restful Sleep:
Establish a regular sleep routine to ensure adequate rest and rejuvenation for the next day.
4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?
The most recent leadership lesson which I have dwelled of late is developing strong relationships with my staff, students, and parents is essential for effective leadership. By approaching others with empathy and understanding, you can create a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?
I am impressed by the book "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek: Well, this book, through the author Sinek I reflected upon the impact of leadership on organizational culture, employee engagement, and overall success. With the wide and well-read and researched content, I could as a reader, explore the importance of creating environments of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose to foster a sense of belonging and support within teams.
6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?
I advise young leaders to understand their strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs. Reflect on your leadership style and how it impacts others. Self-awareness enables you to lead authentically, adapt your approach, and build strong relationships based on trust and respect.
7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?
Once upon a time, in a small town, there was a school principal named Sarah. Sarah was known for her exceptional leadership skills and her ability to inspire others. She believed in the power of collaboration and creating a positive school culture. One day, Sarah faced a significant challenge.
The school was struggling with low morale among both teachers and students. The atmosphere was tense, and academic performance was declining. Sarah recognized that she needed to take action to turn things around. Instead of imposing top-down solutions, Sarah decided to involve the entire school community in finding solutions.
She organized a series of town hall meetings, where teachers, students, parents, and staff could openly express their concerns and ideas. Sarah actively listened to each person's perspective, creating a safe and respectful environment for dialogue. Through these conversations, Sarah identified common themes and concerns. She developed action plans collaboratively with the stakeholders, ensuring that everyone felt ownership and responsibility for the changes. She encouraged teachers to participate in professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and motivation.
Sarah also initiated initiatives to improve student engagement, such as implementing project-based learning and creating student leadership programs. She emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating achievements, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment among the students. Over time, the school environment began to transform.
Teachers felt empowered and supported, resulting in improved job satisfaction and a renewed dedication to their craft. Students became more engaged, and academic performance showed steady improvement. The positive changes also had a ripple effect on the wider community, fostering a stronger connection between the school and its stakeholders.
Sarah's leadership approach of inclusivity, collaboration, and empathy created a sense of unity and purpose within the school. By actively involving everyone and valuing their contributions, she was able to overcome the challenges and create a thriving educational environment. Sarah's leadership story serves as a powerful reminder that effective leadership is not about imposing authority, but about empowering others and building a shared vision. It highlights the transformative impact of inclusive leadership practices and the importance of creating a positive culture that fosters growth and success. This is what I wish to share for all.